| 3/1/2021 At the end of January, Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a $96.6-billion budget — $4.3 billion over the current year. In making his request, DeSantis cited higher-than-expected revenue for December and January and optimism that Florida’s economy is gaining momentum. But lawmakers, who’ll consider DeSantis’ priorities as they craft the budget, are warning of deep cuts as they grapple with a projected $2.75-billion deficit in general revenue for 2021-22 fiscal year. Online Sales Tax — Potential Revenue: $480 million-$1 billion The Florida Retail Federation and its allies have tried for years to pass legislation that would require online vendors without brick-and-mortar stores in Florida to collect and remit sales tax to the state. Some Republicans have balked at the idea in the past, for fear they could be seen as increasing taxes, but a $2.75-billion budget gap may make the idea more palatable. The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference says collecting those taxes would bring in an extra $480 million a year to Florida and $133 million a year for local governments. Texas (with 29 million residents) raked in $1.25 billion in online sales taxes during the past fiscal year, and Florida TaxWatch estimates the Sunshine State could bring in about $1 billion. Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls have both signaled support for the measure.